Connections Mentoring

Empowering the Next Generation

From "I hate myself" to "I am awesome" in about an hour a week.

At its heart, Connections Mentoring is simple — one person showing up consistently to believe in and support a young person. That small act changes everything.

Our mentors walk alongside students, helping them grow in resilience, self-worth, emotional regulation and purpose. This leads to better relationships, improved learning and a renewed sense of identity. It's not a program of quick fixes — it's a journey of transformation through connection.

Why Mentoring Works

Mentored students often show:

• Improved classroom behaviour

• Better academic engagement

• Higher school attendance

• Increased emotional resilience

• Strengthened relationships with peers and family

• A stronger sense of identity and belonging

One Story Among Many

A young man entered high school in a high-needs class. He wrote on a classroom activity, "I hate myself." Within four weeks of being matched with a mentor, he'd transitioned into a mainstream class. He emailed his former teacher: "I'm awesome. I'm going to get straight A's." He later held a certificate proudly showing those A’s.

That ability was inside him all along — mentoring helped him believe it.

What Schools Say

"Mentors provide a supportive, caring, non-judgemental adult who genuinely cares... This often leads to significant shifts in the young person’s belief about themselves and their worth." — Mrs Shireen Thomas, Former Principal, Brooks High School

"The most positive endorsement for the program is the change in students... improved confidence, better behaviour, and a trusted adult who cares." — Mr Paul Stevenson, Assistant Principal, Exeter High School

"Teen Challenge provides an avenue for young people to build quality relationships... and talk about the real issues they face." — Assistant Principal, Northern Tasmanian High School

What Students Say

"It has made me happier. I get stuff off my chest." "I wake up feeling really good to come to school." "I’ve learned to talk, trust and grow." "Having a mentor is like having a best friend who listens without judging." "Thank you for helping me believe in myself. I’ll never forget this."

What Mentors Say

"Gives me fresh purpose in life." "Seeing their face light up when they achieve something... priceless." "She had two friends who asked if I could mentor them too!"

Become a Mentor

If you have an hour a week during school term, you can make a life-changing difference.

What’s Involved

• Attend a 2-day training workshop

• Get matched with a student at a local school

• Commit to weekly sessions (approx. 60–90 minutes)

• Join mentor dinners and peer support every term

• Undergo standard checks (WWVP & National Police clearance)

• Ongoing support and supervision

Upcoming Training Dates

Next Mentor Training: February 2026
Cost: $129 (committed mentors) / $349 (professional development only) Financial hardship options available — just ask!

Our 2-day training includes:

• Mentoring techniques

• Communication & goal setting

• Mental health & bullying awareness

• Boundaries & self-care

• Strength-based support

Training is open to individuals, parents, school staff, church teams and workplaces. It’s ideal for those looking to build their skills or contribute to their community.

Note: Completing training does not commit or guarantee you will become a mentor. Acceptance is determined through interview and reference checks following training.

Host Training at Your Organisation

We also offer tailored Connections Mentoring Training Workshops as professional development for schools, businesses and community organisations. Contact us to find out how we can support your team.

Where We Work

Currently running in Northern Tasmanian primary and high schools. We work closely with each school to ensure the program aligns with student needs and school priorities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Contact Tanya Cavanagh at 0412 300 850 or email tanya@teenchallengetasmania.org to register your interest or book a place in our next training.

You don’t have to be a superhero to be a mentor. You just have to show up.